Mondays with Mike: Safety, Stewardship, and Caring for One Another
A Conversation with Chief Operating Officer, Steve Howe.
Dear PCA Community,
Safety at PCA is not a checklist for us—it is a posture. It shows up most often not in emergencies, but in ordinary moments: driving through campus, waiting in car line, crossing a road, or choosing patience when mornings feel rushed.
In this week’s Mondays with Mike, I sit down with Steve Howe, our Chief Operating Officer, for a practical and timely conversation about campus safety—especially around driving, speeding, arrival and dismissal, and how our everyday choices shape both risk and culture.
This conversation is not about blame. It is about stewardship and shared responsibility as we care for children, support our faculty, and represent Christ well in our community.
Why Listen
- To understand why certain safety expectations exist—not just what they are
- To hear what we are seeing during arrival and dismissal, when risk is highest
- To learn how small decisions—speed, patience, attention—make a meaningful difference
- To see how families can partner with us in simple but powerful ways
Most families and students are already doing this well. This conversation is about protecting that culture and tightening the margins where risk increases—not correcting everyone.
Finally, I hope you will join me for State of the School this Thursday at 3:45 p.m. in Troiano Hall. It will be a focused time to reflect on where we are and where we are headed together.
Thank you for slowing down, extending grace, and looking out for one another. You are an essential part of the safety and care of this community.
See you on campus soon. Thank you for caring for one another.
Mike Runey
Head of School
Portsmouth Christian Academy
Key Takeaways
- Safety is formed in ordinary moments. Most risks occur not in crises, but during routine driving, parking, and transitions.
- Speed matters—especially in winter. Snowbanks, blind spots, slick surfaces, and distracted driving significantly increase risk on campus.
- Arrival and dismissal require patience. Following established traffic patterns protects children and reduces frustration for everyone.
- Our witness extends beyond campus. How we drive in surrounding neighborhoods reflects who we are as a Christian school.
- Parking expectations exist for fairness and security. Upper School vehicle registration helps us know who is on campus and supports student safety.
- Volunteers make a real difference. A small amount of parent help—especially during Middle School arrival or in our Lower School parking areas—frees faculty to prepare for classes and morning devotions.
- Eagle Watch serves quietly and faithfully. These vetted volunteers provide an important layer of care and security, and we are grateful for them.
Episode Timestamps
00:00–01:30 | Opening Frame: Safety as a Posture
Safety at PCA is about ordinary faithfulness—how we drive, wait, and care for one another each day.
01:31–04:10 | Speeding & Driving on Campus
Campus speed limits, winter conditions, blind spots, and why parking lots are high-risk areas.
04:11–06:00 | Near Misses, Distractions, and Underestimated Risk
A recent close call, distracted driving, and how small shortcuts increase danger.
06:01–08:30 | Arrival & Dismissal: Patience Under Pressure
Why these windows are the highest risk, and how patience and following patterns protect children.
08:31–09:45 | Winter Conditions & Traffic Patterns
Snowbanks, limited salt/sand availability, and the need to follow established traffic flows.
09:46–11:45 | Safety Beyond Campus: Our Public Witness
Community concerns on Garrison Road and Back River Road, and how PCA families represent the school off campus.
11:46–13:30 | Parking on Campus: Order, Fairness, and Respect
Handicap spaces, reserved spots, and stewarding limited parking well.
13:31–17:05 | Upper School Driving & Parking Permits
Why vehicle registration matters for safety, security, accountability, and student formation.
17:06–18:10 | Where Fees and Fines Go
Clarifying misconceptions: parking fees support the Upper School Student Activities Fund.
18:11–20:45 | Eagle Watch: Layers of Campus Security
Who Eagle Watch volunteers are, what they do, and how they support a safe campus.
20:46–22:10 | Serving Through Eagle Watch
Volunteer expectations, training, and why more helpers strengthen campus safety.
22:11–24:05 | Call for Parent Volunteers
Middle School morning crossing guards and Lower School parking support—20 minutes that frees faculty for devotions and class prep.
24:06–26:15 | Closing Thanks & State of the School Invitation
Gratitude, final encouragement, and invitation to State of the School (Thursday, 3:45 p.m., Trion Hall).
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